Song of the Day: Secret Tunnel – Emma Ballantine

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Today EMMA BALLANTINE serves up a very soothing dish with her single, ‘Secret Tunnels’, taken from her new project, ‘Somebody’s Story’.

The three-minute track, released on her own label, Shut Up Jo Records, is the first of four new songs that the London-based artist (originally from Salisbury) will be sharing between now and March this year.

Each of the of the tracks in ‘Somebody’s Story’ are based on a true story sent to the singer/songwriter by her followers since she announced the idea just three months ago. ‘Secret Tunnel’, gives a moving and inspiring account of a young girl’s determination to move on with her life after a harrowing experience.

 The new tracks have all been produced by Brixton-based producer Moseley and reflects a
departure from the traditional folk sound of Emma’s earlier EP, ‘Tourist’. Layered synths and beats combine with her usual storytelling style to create a more contemporary feel.

Since being tipped by Glamour magazine as ‘One to Watch in 2016’, Emma has had a busy year, performing at a string of festivals, including Glastonbury and reaching the final of the UK Unsigned Songwriter of the Year competition. She is due to announce a new string of tour dates for spring 2017 to mark the launch of the four tracks as a full EP and physical record.

New Music Video: Better – Fjer

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After claiming the Song of the Day hotspot ten days ago with single, ‘Better’, Danish singer FJER is back with a chilling visual for her latest release.

Co-directed with Peter Anthony Red, the four-minute production features a soaked FJER in a shower, reflecting on past experiences, knowing that the subject is now looking back and doubting choices.

Released via Quintic, ‘Better’ is now available as a free download on Soundcloud…but before you dash off to grab your copy, check out the video to the trippy electro-pop single.

Upcoming Release: The Grass Ain’t Always Greener – Darren Parry

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After a successful 2016, DARREN PARRY  is not slowing down (literally) anytime soon and kicks off the new year with a ZZ-Top-esque stomper, ‘The Grass Ain’t Always Greener’, set for release later this month.

The self-penned reflective production features the Welsh multi-award winning singer/songwriter on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, with long-term collaborator, Rob Devereux providing the go-wild guitar riffs, and vocalist Kaysha Louvain (heralded as the “Welsh Bonnie Raitt”) on backing vocals.

Last year,  Darren extended his impressive CV by writing and producing for other artists, including teen sensation, Nina Jones (‘Promises’) – featured here on NEW LEASE MUSIC-  and Lee Gilbert (‘Soar’). ‘Promises’, written especially for Nina, has received a Semi-Finalist position in the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest (judges included Stuart Epps, Shelley Peiken and Kipper Eldridge) and an enviable Runner Up position in the 2016 USA Song Of The Year contest (judges included Alicia Keys, Steven Tyler and U2’s The Edge).

‘The Grass Ain’t Always Greener’ is out for download on 28th January via iTunes, Amazon, Google Play and all good retailers.

For now, go crazy and check the single.

 

New Track: Madness – Mist

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After smashing 2016 with his debut E.P ‘ M I S To The T ‘, selling out tours and racking up millions of views on YouTube, MIST is back with another heavy Steel Banglez production entitled ‘Madness’.

The Birmingham rapper landed a spot on the highly coveted BBC 1Xtra ‘Hot for 2017’ list and is the most popular unsigned act on Spotify in the UK across all genres; both major accolades to start the year with.

The latest single shows the rapper reflecting on his life and career and the accompanied video, which dropped via GRM Daily last week, has already hit well over one million views. This week 1Xtra’s DJ Target  picked up ‘Madness’, as his ‘Radioactive’ track of the week.

Time to check out the hype; watch the video to ‘Madness’

Song of the Day: Real Friends (Remix) – Adilson Evora

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Hailing all the way from Rotterdam, City of Netherlands, ADILSON EVORA jumps back into the spotlight and dropped his four-track EP Student of Life (The Prelude) just before the new year.

Featuring tracks Puppet Master and Rotterdam Legend (A Committee Gunmen Tribute), featured on NEW LEASE MUSIC earlier last year, latest release Real Friends (Remix), is a continuation of the upriser golden hip-hop-style trademark, displaying his journey of becoming a better artist.

Go check out Real Friends (Remix)…and if you’re feeling this track, the EP serves up of what’s to come from this conscious emcee in the new year.